Asbestos and Electricians

Electricians are among the many types of workers at risk of asbestos exposure and developing mesothelioma. Although the risk is less now, electricians today still encounter asbestos in older electrical systems and insulation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

About Electricians and Asbestos Exposure

Electricians can have many duties, depending on their job description. In general, electricians are responsible for:

• Assembling and installing electrical wiring
• Repairing malfunctioning electrical systems
• Connecting wires
• Testing electrical systems
• Preparing blueprints and sketches
• Placing pipes and tubing into walls, partitions, and other areas

Electricians often work around turbines, generators, and older equipment built with asbestos. Many wires were also made with asbestos-containing insulation due to its resistance to heat and fire.

In some instances, electricians are exposed to asbestos for long hours each day while working with or around asbestos-containing products.

Manufacturers That Supplied Asbestos Products

In the past, numerous manufacturers supplied asbestos-containing products to companies and job sites where electricians worked. Some of the most notable manufacturers that put electricians at risk of asbestos exposure are:

• General Electric (GE)
• Crane Co.
• Union Carbide
• Uniroyal Inc.
• Foster Wheeler
• Uniroyal Inc.
• Johns Manville
• Siemens Energy & Automation

Electricians and Asbestos Lawsuits

In May 2012, six people who worked for R&R Electric Corporation filed an asbestos lawsuit in Roane County, Tennessee, after all developed mesothelioma from working around asbestos-containing products.

The plaintiffs, who worked as electrician helpers, sued several government agencies, including the head of the project, the Department of Energy (DOE). The plaintiffs’ asbestos attorney stated that while working,

“The chop saws created thick clouds of fine dust and debris, which completely coated Plaintiffs’ bodies and clothing every day, and which they breathed continuously.” 

The plaintiffs were also subjected to a fire in 2001, which resulted in inhaling toxic fumes after a contracting company, BNFL Inc., attempted to burn copper coils and asbestos-containing insulation material.

“The coils were burned in open fires in the BNFL switchyard over a period of a week, creating huge plumes of smoke. On information and belief, the insulating material and wrapping contained significant quantities of ACM (asbestos-containing material).”

While looking over the documentation, the plaintiff’s asbestos attorney discovered that the DOE knew that the materials contained asbestos, according to the organization’s manual.

In July 2011, the family of former Navy electrician David Lanpher successfully won a lawsuit against numerous manufacturers that supplied asbestos-containing products to ships.

According to court documents, Lanpher never received warnings from the manufacturers of the dangers of working around asbestos products. In turn, he developed malignant mesothelioma and died on July 13, 2008.

While working on naval ships from 1954 to 1973, Lanpher handled wiring, engine parts, insulation boards, and many other asbestos products.

Due to the extreme exposure to the toxic mineral, Lanpher’s family received $6.3 million in damages.

Working as an electrician could have exposed you to asbestos. Talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to find out how to seek compensation if you get sick.

Additional Help and Resources for Electricians

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.